Forgiveness is Always the Key!

              Research has shown that 35% of women have reported emotional spousal abuse with 72% of them reporting that the emotional abuse affected them worse than the physical abuse.  Spousal abuse has been divided into seven categories – criticizing, ridiculing, jealous control, purposeful ignoring, threats of abandonment, threats of harm, and damage to personal property.  The long term psychological symptoms that affect women are depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress syndrome, low self-esteem, learned helplessness, and resentment of the abuser (Reed & Enright, 2006). 
              It is time to regain control of your life, and it begins with forgiving those who have hurt or wounded you.  When we hold on to unforgiveness, we allow resentment and bitterness to grow so thick that it controls every aspect of our life - our relationships with others, our health, our attitudes, and our overall well-being.
              When you forgive others, you are not agreeing with their wrong, condoning what they did, making excuses for them or have to reconcile a relationship with them.  On the contrary, you are taking back control of your life and setting yourself free.  Trust me, as you begin to forgive others, a freedom that cannot be explained begins to flow throughout your body.  It is amazing, priceless and of God!  God wants you to be free!  Join with me today in prayer to begin your freedom!
              Dear God, in Jesus name, we come before you with humble hearts, knowing that You are the only One that can truly set us free.  We ask forgiveness for holding unforgiveness towards others!  Dear God, with Your help, I forgive all of those who have hurt or wounded me (Name them one by one and say, "I forgive, ____________, in Jesus Name.). We give You all the praise and glory in Jesus Name, Amen!


Reference

Reed, G. L., & Enright, R. D. (2006). The effects of forgiveness therapy on depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress for women after spousal emotional abuse. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 74(5), 920-929. doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.74.5.920